What literary device refers to a word that imitates the sound it represents?

The correct answer is onomatopoeia, which is a literary device where a word phonetically imitates, resembles, or suggests the sound it describes. Common examples include words like "buzz," "hiss," or "bang," which evoke the sounds associated with the actions or objects they represent. This device is often used in poetry and prose to create a more vivid and immersive experience for the reader, appealing to the auditory senses and enhancing the imagery of the text. By using onomatopoeia, writers can bring their descriptions to life, making the scenes and actions more relatable and impactful.

While other options such as alliteration, metaphor, and personification are important literary devices, they serve different purposes in writing. Alliteration focuses on the repetition of initial consonant sounds in a series of words, which can create rhythm or emphasize particular phrases. Metaphor involves making implicit comparisons between two unlike things, enhancing meaning but not by sound. Personification attributes human characteristics to inanimate objects or abstract concepts, enriching the narrative but again not related to sound imitation.